Altice Fiber Integrated with Own Router (Concept)
Altice Fiber Integrated with Own Router (Concept)
Hi All, Altice just rolled out fiber in my area (NJ) and I have been searching for a way around using their crap ONT/Gateway AIO. From what i've read, you need to keep the provided hardware and double NAT the network.. This isn't an optimum solution for me. So here is what I am thinking. Why couldn't I terminate the fiber connection to an SFP+ port on my PFSense router LIKE THIS . I know that they wont provide alternate hardware, so why not skip it all together? Are they providing the FGW-GR240BG to customers? Are people just not doing this because they don't have the capable SFP hardware? Will Altice assign an IP in that setup? TIA EDIT: FYI, I don't have phone or TV. I know that's been an issue for Fios customers. I haven't seen anyone talking about it for Altice yet.
They differ completely. The modem hardware from the ISP is required. Is it possible to switch the gateway to "modem only" mode without routing? If not, configure its firewall to permit all traffic in both directions, and use 1-1 NAT for any necessary port-forwards. pfSense will manage the remaining tasks.
The setup uses fiber without a cable modem. It seems the Altice device functions as both an ONT and gateway (FGW-GR240BG). I’m considering tapping into the fiber and connecting it to an open SFP+ port on my router, similar to what others do in video calls. Potential challenges might include Altice’s MAC provisioning blocking direct IP assignment to PFSense (possibly by spoofing the MAC address), or misunderstanding how their hardware stacks are connected.
The FGW-GR240BG functions as a "GPON" equipment. To achieve the actions shown in the video, you must use an "EPON" device. https://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/appln/FTTH-PON.html
Yes, PFSense may struggle to process the signal since GPON doesn't follow Ethernet standards. There might be devices capable of converting GPON to EPON for PFSense. Regarding Altice, you're right to wonder if their network accommodates various hardware options.
Mikrotik previously offered this product: https://mikrotik.com/product/SFPONU. It wasn’t particularly inexpensive. I checked and it appears they haven’t updated it. From what I understand, it functioned correctly only with their original hardware. The outcome is uncertain.
It’s currently using a Dell/Intel X520-DA2 but might need a different setup for optimal performance. I’m considering switching to something more suitable since a Mikrotik switch won’t help much. Are SFP+ ports typically tied to a PON standard? Is the problem only with the fiber-to-SFP adapter? Could issues with Altice networks or PFSense block the connection?
I believe the issue lies with the GPON adapter, which must be configured by the ISP. This becomes irrelevant if I can bypass or alter what’s inside it.
They could still have a bridge mode or a Pass Thru option available, similar to what AT&T offers on their Fiber Gateway. While Pass Thru isn’t as smooth, it might function. I’ll look into it either way. The main issue is that most Fiber ISPs don’t allow customers to install the fiber themselves, which is a major drawback in the US market.